Mary Louise Thompson

Mary Lou Thompson, 93, of Olla, passed away on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at her home with her 2 daughters present.

The celebration of Mary Lou’s life will include a Funeral mass at St. William’s church in Olla, LA on Friday, January 24 at 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Riser’s Funeral Home in Olla, LA January 25th with visitation beginning at 11:00 am until time for the service at 1 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Macek, Ken Durastanti, Prentice Powell, Jim Naquin, Chris Kerry and Norman Walters.

Mary Lou was born in Racine, Wisconsin on February 7, 1931 to the union of her parents Florence Susan Kemen Mura and Joseph Herman Mura where she developed her love of gardening and service to her community. She had 2 sisters, Ruth Mura Flaherty (Jim) and Suzette Mura Henkel (Larry) and 2 brothers, Richard Joseph Mura (Marlene) and David Mura (who died at one month).She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and elementary school and St. Catherine High School (2 years) and Horlick High School (last 2 years). She then attended Wisconsin Extension for 2 years. In 1954 she married the love of her life Walter Joseph Thompson. Through the years Mary Lou and Walt were blessed with 7 children.

Mary Lou was a devoted mother, caring for her family and extended family members. With seven children, she was always making cupcakes for the schools. In addition, for 50 plus years she created memories with cupcakes for Halloween, for kids and adults alike. Her devotion to the community lead her to serve as a Pink Lady at Hardtner Medical Center. Her love of gardening continued with the Olla and Alexandria Garden Clubs serving in many leadership roles and attending many rose shows with Walt achieving the title of rosarians. Her love for her adopted home state moved her to work tirelessly for LaSalle Parish Museum and the Olla Cultural Center. Mary Lou shared her love of the Lord with many. She was a devote Catholic, attending Mass in Olla at St. William’s (her home church), in Columbia at St. John’s and in Jena at St. Mary’s. Her many hobbies included sewing clothing for her family. She repaired many a uniform for her children from years of playing sports. She also was a very talented artist and loved to paint. In her later years, she enjoyed being a wonderful mom to her fur baby Weezie and grandpuppy, Sid.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Walter J. Thompson; her sister Ruth Flaherty (Jim), and her brother Richard Mura and brother-in-law Larry Henkel; her daughters, Jennifer Theresa Thompson and Bridget Ann Thomsen; and her son, Joseph Waldemar Thompson.

Those left to cherish her memory include her two sons, Chris Thompson (Sarah) and Anders Thompson (Laura); her two daughters, Jennifer Meadows (Dennis) and Abby Thompson; her daughter-in-law, MaryAnn Thompson; her sister, Suzette Henkel (Tampa, FL), Marlene Mura (sister-in-law, Kenosha, WI); her grandchildren, Crystal Benson (Eric), LeighAnn Thompson (Cory), Rick Thompson (Amanda), Trinity Greer (Carol), Jessica Ranton, Mallory Thompson, Cory Bermea (Chelsea), Bridget Thompson (Landon), Justine Meadows (Will), Leslie Ryser (Randy); and 10 great-grandchildren.